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ZS6FB > SAT 02.10.03 04:44l 37 Lines 1572 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS-335.06
Read: GUEST DL7NDR
Subj: UO-22 AVAILABLE TO USERS AGAIN
Path: DB0AAB<DB0PV<OE2XOM<OE5XBL<OE3XSR<OK0PCC<OK0PHL<OK0POV<OK0PAB<OK0PBR<
UA6ADV<ZS6FB
Sent: 021201/0746Z @:ZS6FB.MPU.ZAF.AF #:48020 PACTOR-2: XFBB7.04 $:ANS-335.06
From: ZS6FB@ZS6FB.MPU.ZAF.AF
To : SAT@AMSAT
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 335.06 From AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD. DECEMBER 1, 2002
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-335.06
UO-22 is once again available for users.
More details are provided by Chris, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, "UO-22 is operating OK at
the moment. Some new software has been loaded to try and keep the downlink
operating most of the time." Chris also noted that this veteran satellite
is starting to show some signs of age. "It seems that after around 60000
charge/discharge cycles the Nicad batteries are starting to
show their age (!!)", Chris commented. He added "It's probable that the
power system will no longer be able to support operations when UO-22 enters
a period of eclipse in a few months time although we'll do all we can to try
and keep it operational."
Chris also provided some insight into the plans for managing the power
budget on UO-22. "The downlink will also be switched off from time to time
over certain parts of the globe. Generally these quiet periods should be
out of range of most stations. Currently, they are in the middle of the
Pacific, Indian Ocean, and central China." Chris explains, "This is
required
to allow the attitude control system to operate correctly since the power
system can not supply enough power to support both the transmitter and the
magnetorquers."
Chris's closing suggestion is, "Enjoy the bird while you can! At 11 1/2
years it's doing well, but it may not be available for a lot longer."
[ANS thanks Chris, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for the above information]
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